Social media, Mental health and Equestrian events

Snell, Sarah; Jepson, Allan; Stadler, Raphaela; Walters, Trudie; Dashper, Kate; Spencer, Neil; Bhatia, Persia

Abstract

Many studies have investigated the benefits and drawbacks of social media, but the impact it has on amateur sports participants who use it as part of their practice has been largely overlooked. This study addresses this gap, investigating the impacts of social media on the mental health of women participating in amateur sport activities – specifically, equestrian events through a mixed methods survey of 221 female amateur equestrians in the UK. Themes included the pressure to present a ‘perfect’ image to an external audience, the stress of comparison to others, and constant judgement around the performance of a participant. We also found issues of distorted reality and false representation. We conclude by highlighting a need for better assistance for athletes both while they are competing at events and at other times, particularly pre/post event.

Citation

Snell, S., Jepson, A., Stadler, R., Walters, T., Dashper, K., Spencer, N., & Bhatia, P. (2024). Social media, Mental health and Equestrian events. Event Management, 28(8), 1149-1165. https://doi.org/10.3727/152599524X17135753220147

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 3, 2024
• Online Publication Date: May 13, 2024
• Publication Date: 2024
• Deposit Date: May 8, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 22, 2024
• Print ISSN: 1525-9951
• Electronic ISSN: 1943-4308
• Publisher: Cognizant Communication Corporation
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 28
• Issue: 8
• Pages: 1149-1165
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3727/152599524X17135753220147
• Keywords: Social Media; Mental Health; Armature Sport participation; Equestrian Events